Security and Safety
Security and Safety Message
As we approach the coming Commencement and Honors Convocation exercises in May, we are actively planning for the thousands of graduates, families, and loved ones who will attend this momentous occasion. It is our top priority to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all involved.
The Department of Police Services progressively looks at safety and security measures for large events to maximize the safety of our campus community.
Similar to the past few years, we will institute the use of metal detector screening for everyone entering the commencement venue. Our goal is to maximize safety while striking a balance to ensure that our security measures are not overly burdensome. This will, however, require that guests arrive at early and recommend 60 to 90 minutes prior to the start of the commencement exercise — the earlier the better.
Further, guests should not enter the venue with more than one bag, which can be easily checked, and remember that firearms/knives and other weapons are prohibited. Additionally, glass bottles of any kind (wine, beer, and soft drinks), selfie sticks, air horns and backpacks are also prohibited. Wrapped gifts are discouraged and are subject to be opened if they do not clear a metal detector. Non-uniformed members of the law enforcement community attending Commencement exercises may not carry firearms inside the venue. Strollers may be allowed into the Commencement venue however, will not be permitted in grandstands and in aisle ways. Guests may leave strollers in a designated area outside the commencement venue at their own risk.
We regret any inconvenience our increased security causes, but our primary goal is the safety of our students, their families and guests, and our faculty and staff.
Fred Fernandez
Chief of Police
In order to ensure a safe and memorable commencement experience, the following items are NOT allowed into the commencement grounds:
- Glass Bottles
- Posters
- Sticks (selfie, tripods, monopids, sticks attached to large posters, etc.)
- Over one bag per person
- Knives and Weapons
- Large Backpacks / Bags
- Wrapped Gifts
- Balloons
- Noise Makers (air horns, confetti cannons, etc.)
- Umbrellas
- Camera Lenses over 6'' in length
- Lawn Chairs / Stadium Seats (stadium cushions ok)
NOTES:
Water bottles (plastic, hydro-flask-type, etc.,) are ok to bring into the venue; however, subject to search to ensure they do not contain alcohol.
All bags are subject to search. Metal detectors are to ensure the safety of students, families, and guests attending the ceremony.
- Police officers from the Department of Police Services and medical staff from the Student Health Center will be on duty during the Commencement exercises to provide first aid assistance in the event of any medical emergencies or illnesses. Police officers will provide the normal standard of public safety services and both police officers and student Community Service Assistants in red and black uniforms are available to assist guests with lost members, directions and many other services.
- Note: It will not be possible for any guest to be paged.
- Our plan is to have all ceremonies at the University Library Lawn unless weather poses a danger. If the plans change, notice will be emailed to all graduates and posted on the commencement website as soon as a decision have been made. While this is not expected, please check the local weather forecast and our Commencement website regularly should there be inclement weather patterns occurring.
- Rain Prior to the Ceremony: If it is raining seriously BEFORE THE START of the ceremony with little hope of abating, the University President may cancel the ceremony. In the event of a ceremony cancellation, we will notify you via CSUN email. Within that correspondence will have information of how to obtain your diploma cover.
- Rain During the Ceremony: If it begins to rain seriously DURING the ceremony, the University President may interrupt the proceedings by stepping to the microphone and conclude early. Information surrounding diploma cover distribution would be delivered at that time.